HELD ON TUESDAY 18th MAY 2004
IN EAST WOODHAY VILLAGE HALL
AT 7.45 P.M.
CLERK: Mrs. A. Davidson.
ITEM 1: MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.
Cllr Johnson asked for a couple of changes to be made, and all were happy with this. Cllr Heather proposed acceptance of the minutes, Cllr Holdcroft seconded. The minutes were therefore duly signed by the Chairman.
ITEM 2: MATTERS ARISING.
Cllr Preston confirmed that the post preventing access onto Woolton Hill Recreation Ground by car has not been removed.
The Clerk has not been able to speak to the lady who requested a litter bin outside her house.
The Council’s application for a grant to develop the area opposite Mason’s Court has been turned down.
The disappearing hedge at Hatt Common is still being looked into.
The Clerk has spoken to Mr. Winchcombe about the hedge around the Parish Field. He had asked someone to cut it but was advised not to due to the time of year and nesting birds. He is aware of concerns, and it will be cut when appropriate.
ITEM 3: PLANNING.
A second application to erect a mast at North End has been received. This should be heard at Development Control at the beginning of June and there should be no problems.
Application for the sculptures at Burley House has been granted. An amended application has been received for erection of properties at the corner of Gore End Road. Councillors have noted that the area earmarked is already being cleared in preparation for building to take place.
Cllr Farmer declared an interest in the following item and left the room while it was discussed. The Planning Committee and neighbours have concerns about an application to demolish Woodsong in Trade Street and build three houses on the site. This comprises two four bedroomed houses and a two bedroomed bungalow. They are squeezed in quite tightly, the entrance/exit is not wide and it is right beside a bend and a crossroads. Cllr Farmer rejoined the meeting.
An amendment has been received to the development at Cornerlea, on the corner of Church Road.
Thorngrove School have applied for change of use from agricultural to educational for part of their playing fields to enable them to build a new Hall and Tennis Courts.
Application for development at the old Hitchmans Yard site has been changed from Residential to Office and Light Industrial.
Cllr Elsden has received various papers, the main one of interest being on the Local Plan.
Cllr Ross has now received official notification of refusal of application and appeal by the Rampant Cat Pub.
ITEM 4: AMENITIES.
Two inspections of the Parish Playgrounds have taken place – one by Dunlop (through Basingstoke and Deane) and one by ROSPA. Various points were made in these reports, some of which Cllr Preston detailed. Holes in the hedge at Heath End give easy access onto the road and grass and weeds around the games wall there need tidying up. Loose screws were identified on the Skateboard Ramp at Woolton Hill, along with splintering wood and corroding metal on the log frame. The baby swing frame should be enclosed and the boltheads on the gate are rather projected. Comments concerning the Pineapple Whirl roundabout such as identification of rotting and excessive play on the bearings were difficult to comprehend as much work has been done on this item recently. The Amenities Committee will look into the points raised in detail and act appropriately. Cllr Johnson commented that a poor report on the Skateboard Ramp may help the Council’s efforts to get it replaced.
One major point which was raised by Dunlop was the Play Areas’ lack of compliance with the Disabilities Discrimination Act. However, in order to put this right it would cost a huge amount of money, which the Council does not have.
Re-seating of the bench opposite the Church has not yet taken place, the same being the case for the Table at Heath End. However, the hedge at Woolton Hill has been done.
Cllr Ross met with Ian Harris at Basingstoke to discuss the list Cllr Heather prepared re funding for future projects in the Parish. One hoped for grant – from Brighton Hill – will not now be forthcoming. A small fund of £25K is available for CCTV, but an application would need to be put in quickly to obtain some of this. We should get some money from Awards for All, and also from the proposed development at Gore End Road. It is hoped the latter will cover the cost of the Teen Shelter, but this will not be allocated until after
planning permission is granted. Another source may need to be sought for funding for a new Skateboard Ramp. Cllrs Ross and Heather will meet again with Ian Harris soon.
Cllr Elsden asked what the Parish Council needs to do in order to obtain Section 106 monies from the development at Gore End Road. Cllr Ross replied that we merely need to apply for it.
Cllr Johnson proposed a vote of thanks for Cllr Preston for all he has achieved over the last few years as Amenities Chairman. This was seconded by Cllr Elsden. All agreed he had done a wonderful job and achieved much during his time as Chairman.
Cllr Heather reported that Julia Calvert is now well installed in the post of Litter Warden, and is doing a good job. However, there appears to be a lack of road-sweeping taking place around Copnor, where there are many cigarette butts lying around. There also appears to be a problem around Blindmans Gate with lots of cans lying around.
ITEM 5: HIGHWAYS.
Cllr Johnson did a ‘tour’ of the Parish with the Area Surveyor on 27th April. Many areas were identified as needing attention, but the majority were not immediate priorities.
The gulleys at North End have now been cleared. The road at Gravelly Close in North End is extremely pot-holed, however this is not an adopted road. Topdressing in many areas would be worthwhile, but this can only be done at certain times of the year.
Cllr Johnson attended a recent meeting for Parish Highways co-ordinators. He reported that all complaints to the Highways Department at Hampshire County Council are noted and logged, and people can contact the Department via the Hampshire Website.
ITEM 6: FINANCE.
A list of income and expenditure was presented and cheques signed. Grant from Basingstoke to finance Litter Warden should be received soon.
ITEM 7: VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT.
Comments have now been received from Basingstoke and Deane and these have proved very complimentary, stating that this first draft is one of the best they have seen. The aim is that it will now go before the July Cabinet Meeting for approval.
ITEM 8: YOUTH CLUB.
The Youth Club now has 60 members, and averages around 25-30 children each week. They are following a themed route. A grant of £1,000 has been received from Hampshire County Council. Vodafone have donated a de-commissioned sub-station, and the Club
Committee are currently considering where to put it. Funding is still awaited from Basingstoke and Deane. There have been a few problems with ‘outside’ youth coming and hanging around outside, and some complaints have been received from neighbours. Cllr Kyle-Lawrence is concerned that this may be giving the Club a bad name.
Lots of equipment has been donated, but there is still a shortage of leaders and helpers. Transport will also be needed to get the children out and about, but coaches are proving to be very expensive to hire.
ITEM 9: MEMBERS REPORTS.
Cllr Johnson.
An application for reduction of trees at The Brambles has been refused.
Cllr Farmer.
She has spoken to Mike Proctor about the possibility of producing a map of the Parish identifying items such as drainage, hedges, etc. This can apparently be done at a cost to the Parish of around £20.00. Items identified can be whatever we wish, and could be added to if necessary. Cllr Preston felt it would be good if this could be on CD.*
*ACTION: CLLR FARMER TO FIND OUT WHETHER THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE.
Cllr Elsden.
People at East End who contributed to the Adopt a Post scheme have been asking what has happed to the new posts which were promised at the triangle there. Cllr Preston confirmed that the matter is in hand, but that unfortunately Steve Batt’s illness has prevented him from doing this as soon as was hoped.
Cllr Preston.
Has noticed that the finger post sign at North End keeps getting turned around, making it difficult for people to know where they are going.
Cllr Ross.
Cllr Ross has been impressed to see how well the playground in Woolton Hill is being used.
On recent occasions when passing he has noticed that there have been many children using the facilities, sometimes even having to wait to get on equipment.
Chairman.
He has received an invitation to Hampshire County Council’s Annual Service in Winchester Cathedral. He is unable to attend, but asked if anyone would like to go in his place, to let him know.
NOTE: NEXT MEETING - TUESDAY 22ND JUNE
JULY MEETING - TUESDAY 20TH
NO MEETING IN AUGUST